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Compare Truvada vs. Descovy

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) and Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) are both combination medications used to treat and prevent HIV infection but there are some key differences. Truvada is available as a lower-cost generic, while Descovy is not. Both medications are taken once daily and work by stopping the virus from making copies of itself. However, Truvada can be used to prevent HIV from both sexual activity and injection drug use, whereas Descovy is not approved for prevention from sharing injection supplies or receptive vaginal sex. Descovy is considered safer for your kidneys and bones compared to Truvada. Common side effects of Truvada include nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness, while Descovy commonly causes nausea and diarrhea. Both medications require regular blood tests to monitor your health.

drug combination

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  • Truvada
    Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide)
  • Truvada
    Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide)

  • Summary of Truvada vs. Descovy

    Summary for HIV ARV Combo
    Prescription only

    Truvada, also known as TDF/FTC, is a combination medication that contains the antiretrovirals emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Truvada is used as part of an antiretroviral (ARV) regimen to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections in adults and children. It's also preferred for HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis or prevention). This medication works against HIV by stopping the virus from making copies of itself and spreading. Truvada tablets are taken by mouth once daily. Side effects when it's used for treating HIV include nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. And Truvada side effects when used for PrEP include headache and belly pain.

    Summary for Antiretroviral
    Prescription only

    Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) is a prescription antiretroviral pill used to treat and prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It's FDA approved for use with other HIV medications to treat HIV in adults and children. It's also approved for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV in adults and teens. You take it once a day by mouth, with or without food. Some common side effects include nausea and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Truvada vs. Descovy

    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection
    •Prevention of HIV infection (PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis)
    Indications for
    •HIV treatment, in combination with other HIV medications - adults and children
    •Prevention of HIV infection (PrEP) - adults and teens

  • Pros and Cons of Truvada vs. Descovy

    Pros and Const for HIV ARV Combo
    Pros
    •Only taken once a day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Is a complete regimen for HIV PrEP
    •99% effective for preventing HIV infection from sex when used as prescribed for PrEP
    Cons
    •Requires regular blood work and lab tests to make sure your liver and kidneys are healthy
    •Not a complete treatment for HIV (must take one other medication with it)
    •Can worsen hepatitis B if you stop taking the medication all of a sudden
    •More likely to cause bone problems than similar medications
    Pros and Const for Antiretroviral
    Pros
    •Pill taken once a day
    •Treats and prevents HIV
    •Fewer kidney and bone side effects than Truvada
    Cons
    •Not approved for PrEP in people at risk from vaginal sex
    •Common side effects are diarrhea and nausea
    •Requires regular lab tests

  • Common Side Effects of Truvada vs. Descovy

    Common Side Effects for

    HIV treatment Note: Side effects for HIV treatment were reported by people taking Truvada with efavirenz (Sustiva).

    •Higher cholesterol levels (22%)
    •Higher creatine kinase levels (9%)
    •Feeling tired (9%)
    •Depression (9%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •Upper respiratory infections (8%)
    •Sinus infection (congestion; 8%)
    •Rash (7%)
    •Headache (6%)

    HIV PrEP (prevention)

    •Headache (7%)
    •Belly pain (4%)
    •Lower weight (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Nausea (4%)

    Note: Side effects were reported by people who took Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) alone for PrEP.

  • Warnings of Truvada vs. Descovy

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of hepatitis B infection
    •PrEP only for people who test negative for HIV
    •Kidney problems
    •Overactive immune system
    •Bone problems
    •Liver problems and lactic acidosis
    •Interaction with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of hepatitis B infection
    •Take extra steps to prevent HIV when used for PrEP
    •Overactive immune system
    •Kidney problems
    •Liver problems and lactic acidosis

  • Prices with our coupons for Truvada vs. Descovy

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    Learn more about Descovy

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